Its arched design was inspired by the rainbows commonly seen over Niagara Falls, according to architect Philip Johnson.

The Notorious B.I.G performed at the venue in June 1996 and was supported by Jay-Z, Junior MAFIA and Mary J. Blige.

In March 1992, a spectator was killed during a USHRA Monster Jam show at the venue when the driver of Bad Medicine became incapacitated and veered his truck into the stands.

[7] UFC 12 was scheduled to take place at the venue in February 1997, but mixed martial arts was banned in New York State the day before the event, forcing its relocation to Dothan, Alabama.

Joe Mesi defeated Jorge Luis Gonzalez in a professional boxing card at the venue in April 2001.

[9] In 1980, the venue began hosting the city's annual Festival of Lights to commemorate the Christmas season.